Post-Doctoral Associate in Plant Pathology

Position Summary:
A post-doctoral researcher position for a highly motivated researcher is available for a project on potatoes and their interaction with soilborne microbes (fungal and bacterial pathogens such as Verticillium dahaliae and Streptomyces species). The successful candidate will take the lead in understanding the molecular mechanism of plant resistance and the population dynamics of these pathogens using omics, molecular biology, and bioinformatics approaches. The candidate will conduct screening of potato varieties for fungal and bacterial pathogens in disease nurseries and greenhouse-based assays to test hypotheses. The candidate will establish a culture collection of commonly found fungi and bacteria on Minnesota potatoes to explore their pathogenic dynamics using bioinformatics, microbiological, and molecular tools.

The incumbent is expected to take a leadership role in data collection, data analysis, and compiling manuscripts for publication in appropriate journals. The successful candidate may be expected to work closely with different key stakeholders and collaborators and could be involved in supervising undergraduate and graduate students in the lab. The incumbent will have the opportunity to present research findings at local and national conferences and to write and prepare Federal/state proposals for submission.

Initially, the position is offered for a year, and continued support is contingent upon the candidate's performance and/or funding. Note: These are not positions to which permanent residency can be granted for international appointees. Supervisor and lab PI is Ashish Ranjan (aranjan@umn.edu).

Job Duties:
(40%) Performing molecular biology (PCR, RT PCR, DNA and RNA isolation, cloning genes, omics study, gene editing, transformation), biochemical, microscopic, and microbial studies
(microbe isolation from soil and plants).
(25%) Develop plans and strategies to conduct field and greenhouse experiments and collect their phenotypic data and samples (plant and soil) for research
(25%) Writing research manuscripts, lab notes, and performing statistical (knowledge of using R) and bioinformatics analysis (MSLT and genotyping).
(10%) Mentoring undergrads and presenting findings to stakeholders, including growers and other researchers

Required Qualifications:
* Ph.D. in plant pathology or plant sciences or a related area.
* Must be able to lift objects up to 40 lbs.
* Have a driving license or will be required to have it within three months of joining the lab

Preferred Qualifications:
* Published at least 1-2 research articles in peer-reviewed international journals as the first author
* Expertise in molecular biology, microscopy, and microbiological techniques
* Knowledge or experience with on-farm research management and operations.
* Experience in basic bioinformatics tools such as analyzing sequence data, constructing phylogenetic trees and population genetics (knowledge of using R), and basic statistics.
* Experience working with potato, fungal and/or bacterial pathogens.

Department Overview
Since 1907 the Department of Plant Pathology has had a strong and positive impact on plant health, agricultural development, and ecosystem vitality on local, national, and international scales.

Ongoing collaborative and interdisciplinary efforts in basic and applied research have enabled the faculty in the Department of Plant Pathology to build a strong foundation of science in teaching, research, and extension. Faculty in the Department are nationally and internationally recognized for conducting research in genetics of disease resistance at the molecular, cellular, and whole plant levels; genomics/bioinformatics of plant-microbe interactions; plant disease management; microbial ecology related to plant health and disease; biological control; population genetics; fungal biology and genomics; plant virology; bacteriology; nematology; forest health; wood deterioration; high throughput phenotyping; and global climate change. Exemplary education, based on research, is a departmental priority and faculty offer a rich and diverse portfolio of undergraduate and graduate courses, serving students within the Department and across the College and University through in-person and online delivery. The Department's strong graduate program delivers excellence in teaching, research, and mentoring that provides an enriching graduate experience. Graduates move on to careers in agriculture and related industries, public agencies, academia, and private consulting. The Department has access to state-of-the-art facilities including plant growth facilities with classrooms, greenhouses, and a biosafety level 3 (BSL-3) plant pathology quarantine greenhouse and laboratory, along with adjacent research plots that support both conventional and organic production systems. Other resources include the Minnesota Supercomputer Institute and Biodale that provides state-of-the art genomic, imaging, and mass-spectrometry facilities. Ten unique research and outreach centers throughout Minnesota enhance the Department's research infrastructure. Adjunct faculty from the USDA-ARS Cereal Disease Laboratory, USDA Forest Service Northern Research Station, and Plant Science Research Unit, located on campus, support the mission of the Department. A dedicated and professional team supports the Department's administrative, financial, and communication functions.

College Overview
The College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS) is composed of 13 academic departments, 10 research and outreach centers across Minnesota, plus the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, the Bell Museum, and dozens of interdisciplinary centers that span the college, the university, and the globe. CFANS offers thirteen undergraduate majors and thirteen graduate majors, three pre-major/pre-professional programs and 23 minors for undergraduate students. Undergraduate enrollment in the college is about 2000 students. CFANS students are well-prepared for a diverse, multicultural workforce through the college's emphasis on experiential, interdisciplinary, and intercultural learning; internships and global perspectives.

At CFANS, we aim to inspire minds, nourish people, and enhance the natural environment, and we believe that's only possible if everyone feels seen, heard and respected. Our College embraces equity and diversity and prioritizes purpose-driven scientific discovery in order for us to build a better tomorrow, together. We align with the University of Minnesota in providing equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Scholarship
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-UOHR (8647).

Required Documents needed by the applicant to submit
1. Resume/CV
2. Cover Letter/Letter of Application
3. List of three references

Only selected candidates will be informed for further consideration.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).